Our Future is in Good Hands Interview with JROTC Cadet Captain Tre’Neka Mitchell

By Kim J. Clark

Aka Expanding Love

Often, when we listen or engage in conversations about the future of our nation, many comments

are negative as they relate to our youth. Know this, all is well… This writer had the pleasure

serving as a chaperone with the JROTC on a college tour to Central Michigan University. My

perception of this nation’s future changed that day. The fact of the matter is, our young people

are eager to shine, put their best foot forward and lead with certainty. The JROTC gives the

cadets the training and guidance to be honorable productive members of society.

It is an honor to be able to showcase one of our future leaders. With young people like Tre’Neka

Mitchell in charge, we are in good hands. This 16-year-old, 11

grade student of Cass Technical

High School, Detroit, MI, has what it takes to achieve any goal she desires. Cadet Mitchell

possesses a dynamic presence and clear concise way of expressing her thoughts.

When asked what adult she admired the most and why, she replied, “Sgt. Malone” and nodded

approval of her choice. She went on to say, “Sgt. Malone is the person I admire the most. One

thing I like about him is that he calls things out. If something is wrong, he says so…” Her reason

for admiring Sgt. Malone surprised me. When asked to expound on her reason, she quickly

replied, “Sometimes it’s better to be more respected than liked.”

This writer asked Miss Mitchell what she liked best about the JROTC and how did she think it

would benefit her in the future. Tre’Neka had quite a list of leadership skills. She is reliable,

motivated, a person of integrity, and an excellent public speaker.

Cadet Mitchell is very motivated to do well and succeed at anything she attempts. She told me,

“When I am struggling with something, I think of my dad and how he encourages me to push

through.” She went on to tell me how involved in her life, and the lives of her siblings her dad is

in. Tre’Neka’s father, Lorenzo Mitchell, participated in the interview and chimed in, “Everyday,

Monday through Friday we sit down together and ‘debrief’ about the day.” Mr. Mitchell, a

phenomenal man and my idea of a “hero”, takes great pride in being fully engaged with his

children. Tre’Neka and her dad explained, that as a family they talk about the events of the day

and dad makes suggestion on ways to address situations that come up during the debriefing.

When asked what words of encouragement she would give youth who do not have a strong

support system, she gave an example that I will personally use when engaging with someone

from a challenged background. “If I were standing in a room filled with people and held up a

crisp $20-dollar bill, and asked who would like to have it, everyone would raise their hand. If I

balled it up and asked who would want it then, everyone would still raise their hand. Now image

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